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Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane warms up during practice, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
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Why the Steelers have entrusted Robert Spillane with their third-down linebacker role

Matt Freed/Post-Gazette

Why the Steelers have entrusted Robert Spillane with their third-down linebacker role

Most of the time at practice, Steelers inside linebacker Robert Spillane rarely stops talking. Spillane isn’t the most loquacious guy you’ll meet in the locker room, but in between plays or when the defense has downtime during offensive drills, you’re likely to find him chatting with head coach Mike Tomlin, or linebackers coach Brian Flores, or defensive coordinator Teryl Austin ...

“Or Cam [Heyward], or Minkah [Fitzpatrick],” Spillane continued after another chatty workday at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “I think it’s vitally important to have those connections, especially with the guys you're playing with. It’s important that the guy next to me knows exactly what I’m doing so that he can run his job smoother and know what’s going on. The more communication we get, it just kind of settles guys down.”

That isn’t just Spillane paying himself lip service. Earlier in the day, Austin explained why the Steelers have installed Spillane as their dime linebacker — a sub-package often used on third downs — at least for the first stages of this season.

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In a linebacker corps that includes athletes such as Myles Jack — so dynamic in college that he also played running back for UCLA — and Devin Bush — the 2019 10th overall pick who ran a 4.43 40-yard dash — it’s the undrafted Spillane who has the trust of the coaches in so many coverage situations.

Steelers wide receiver George Pickens works through drills during practice, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
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“Rob's a really good communicator — real sharp,” Austin said. “I think he has a real good understanding of the pass game. I think that's one thing he gives us, in terms of communication on third down, which is important to make sure we’re all in the right position. So, we really like the way he does that and the way he takes charge when he does go out there.”

Spillane attributed that to being in his fifth year in the league and fourth with the Steelers, but also because of a desire to improve each season and play with a chip on his shoulder so he can stick around. Being a mainstay in coverage is somewhat ironic for a player whose most memorable NFL moment to this point was a head-on collision with Titans titan Derrick Henry.

As the Steelers rotate their inside linebacker trio, 15 of Spillane’s 51 snaps so far have come as the only one on the field. But overall, the Steelers defense is 17 for 33 on third downs, or 51.2%, which is fifth-worst in the NFL. A year ago, their 38.5% third-down stop rate was 12th-best in the league.

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Through two games in 2022, the Browns — even with journeyman Jacoby Brissett at quarterback — are converting third downs at 53.3%, which ranks fourth overall. It’s no surprise, given their powerful running game, that the Browns lead all AFC teams in third-down conversions (16, one behind No. 1 Philadelphia). They’re rushing their way to manageable situations, and their 23 first-downs on the ground also are tied with the Eagles atop the league.

The Steelers defense held up to 8 for 27 on third down in their 2021 season sweep of the Browns, who no longer have crafty slot receiver Jarvis Landry. Still, Spillane believes he’s ready if offenses try to take advantage when they see No. 41 in the middle.

“Every team has a slot receiver, and as an inside linebacker, it’s our job to cover those guys,” Spillane said. “We’re not the only matchup on the field, so you’ve got to know where your help is, know where you can’t let them get [to], play to your leverage, and be aggressive away from your leverage. I think we do a good job of that as a unit. We look forward to those matchups. We don’t run away from them. That’s a time to show what you're made of, and we love those opportunities.”

Slim Pickens

Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi waits for a drill to begin during practice, Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
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With just three targets in the first two games, and admittedly some body language at times showing frustration, rookie wideout George Pickens hasn’t lived up to the hype around him from training camp and the preseason.

But Pickens isn’t the squeaky wheel just yet — at least not publicly.

“It’s not a big thing to me because this is my first year,” he said. “I can’t think too much on it.”

Bush back

The only player on the Steelers injury report this week was Bush, but he’s healthy going into Thursday night. Bush, who got hurt late in the Patriots game, didn’t finish because of a foot injury.

Despite not practicing Monday, the Steelers had to issue an injury report, so Bush was given a “limited” tag as an estimated status. He was upgraded to full Tuesday, which means he’s set to play.

Cleveland has a much longer list of health concerns, starting with star pass rusher Myles Garrett, who was added to the injury report Tuesday with a neck injury that kept him sidelined. Tight end Harrison Bryant (thumb, thigh) was also added as a limited participant, as was backup tackle Chris Hubbard (illness). Starting guard Joel Bitonio (biceps) didn’t practice for the second straight day and starting tackle Jack Conklin (knee) was limited for the second straight day. The Browns already ruled out defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (ankle). Earlier in the day they placed former Steelers tight end Jesse James (biceps) and defensive end Chase Winovich (hamstring), a Thomas Jefferson High School product, on injured reserve. 

Brian Batko: bbatko@post-gazette.com and Twitter @BrianBatko.

First Published: September 20, 2022, 8:15 p.m.

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